Manatt, Phelps & Phillips
Firm overview:
Los Angeles-based firm Manatt, Phelps & Phillips has a thriving trademark practice that serves clients across industries such as media and entertainment (including A-list talent), technology, consumer goods and retail, and health and life sciences. The firm takes a collaborative, integrated approach to brand protection, bringing together lawyers from advertising, digital media, entertainment and corporate teams to provide both legal and commercial perspectives.
Manatt’s trademark practice is weighted towards strategic advisory, clearance, prosecution and transactional work. The team crafts and refines strategies to protect and monetise some of the marketplace’s most valuable brands, content and product innovations.
The team is also well versed in contentious trademark matters, representing clients in litigation, arbitration and mediation involving trademark infringement, unfair competition, false advertising and breach of contract claims related to trademarks and trade dress.
Team overview:
Drawing on the firm’s integrated professional services model, the trademark team consists of attorneys, consultants and business professionals who offer brand guidance to clients. Manatt’s IP team operates from key US business hubs and supports clients with international needs via a network of trusted ex-US counsel.
Lisa Rosaya leads the Trademark/Brand Management group. Widely recognised as an authority on trademarks and other aspects of IP law, Rosaya is a trusted advisor for clients needing counsel on the protection and enforcement of their brands, as well as copyrights, designs and related rights.
Partner Jessica Wood is a key member of the firm’s IP Protection and Enforcement practice, with her practice focused on IP transactions, including domestic and international trademark prosecution, maintenance and enforcement, and ex parte and inter partes proceedings before the US Patent and Trademark Office, as well as federal court litigation.
Key matters:
- The White Stripes: Trademark and IP strategy
Manatt advises US rock duo The White Stripes (Jack White and Meg White) on trademark prosecution matters for various branding initiatives across multiple industries. The team manages their international IP portfolio, which includes advising on the registration of new marks, navigating international trademark laws and developing strategies to safeguard their brand identity in a competitive marketplace.
The team also advised on complex financial transactions involving their IP assets and supported the expansion of Jack White’s independent label, Third Man Records, into a multimedia lifestyle brand encompassing books, vinyl pressing, retail and performance spaces.
The team is led by Lisa Rosaya (partner), Jessica Wood (partner) and Emily Mola-Liu (staff attorney).
- L.A.B. Golf: Trademark portfolio and brand strategy
Manatt represents L.A.B. Golf in the domestic and global expansion of its trademark portfolio. The team advises on trademark and online enforcement, brand management, and IP strategy. Manatt also advised the client on trademark-related issues in connection with the sale of a majority share of the company to L Catterton, a private equity firm backed by LVMH.
The matter gained prominence following JJ Spaun’s win at the 2025 US Open using an L.A.B. Golf DF3 putter, which elevated the brand’s visibility and valuation.
Rosaya and Mola-Liu are on Manatt’s team for the matter.
- Muse Group & Hal Leonard: Global trademark strategy
Muse Group is known for platforms such as Ultimate Guitar, MuseScore and Audacity. Led by Rosaya, the team supports the client in the development and management of its global trademark portfolios, advising on clearance in strategic jurisdictions and providing portfolio management and strategy.
Hal Leonard, a leader in sheet music publishing and music education, joined Muse Group in 2023.
Clients:
Baggu, Christie Digital Systems, Estate of Earl Simmons p/k/a DMX, Eurostar d/b/a WSS, L.A.B. Golf Company, Muse Group, Hal Leonard & Affiliates, Nielsen Consumer, Seekr Technologies, The White Stripes (Jack White, Meg White)
